How Many Syllables In Expectation?
4syllables
Expectation has 4 syllables, ex-pec-ta-tion. It is a polysyllabic word.
expectation
/ˌek.spekˈteɪ.ʃən/ UK /ˌek.spekˈteɪ.ʃən/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the third syllable, ta.
Syllable Structure
VC/CCVC/CV/CVC
Division By Sound
/ek.spek.teɪ.ʃən/
Division By Letters
ex-pec-ta-tion
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Expectation
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 secondary stress | – | e | k | VC | closed |
| 2 | sp | e | k | CCVC | closed |
| 3 primary stress | t | eɪ | – | CV | open |
| 4 | ʃ | ə | n | CVC | closed |
Why Expectation Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /k/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /ʃ/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in expectation?
Expectation has 4 syllables, ex-pec-ta-tion. In British English it is transcribed /ˌek.spekˈteɪ.ʃən/.
Which syllable is stressed in expectation?
The third syllable, ta, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of expectation?
Expectation has the structure VC/CCVC/CV/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide expectation into syllables?
By sound, ek.spek.teɪ.ʃən. By letters, as a spelling guide, ex-pec-ta-tion.
Other Words With Four Syllables
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